I had a frozen seacock. I couldn't replace it because you couldn't screw the new one on the thru hull without hitting the engine block which was added by a previous owner. So I'm moving the thru hull - I've glassed over the old hole and I'm now trying to figure out the placement for the new one. I of course have hit a new snag.
There is a strip of about 1" wood (I think) that runs along the length of each cockpit locker. Now this is in the way.

Does anybody know if this is structural or can I cut off a piece to make way for the thru hull? And what would be the best way to cut it off? I would usually use a dremel with a cutting blade but getting a cutting blade that close to the hull is giving me cold sweats.

I looks to me like the strip was there to hold the old pegboard in place.



Thanks
Robin